Rockville Centre Herald

01/03/2026

🔬📚 South Side High School students push science research to new heights!

South Side High School’s advanced science research students are diving deep into real-world issues — and earning top recognition across Long Island and beyond.

These Rockville Centre teens are conducting college-level research, presenting at prestigious symposiums, and showing what the next generation of scientists can do. 🏅💡

📖 Discover how this innovative program is inspiring curiosity, resilience and academic excellence.

Full story here:

South Side High School has introduced a two-level, hands-on science research program that builds students’ lab skills and independence, leading to advanced projects, competitions and university partnerships that prepare them for future STEM careers.

01/03/2026

🦁 Rockville Centre Lions Club donates 'Comfort Lions' to local police

To help children facing traumatic situations, the Rockville Centre Lions Club donated dozens of soft Comfort Lions to the Rockville Centre Police Department.

These cuddly toys will be kept in patrol cars and given to children in crisis, offering a small but meaningful source of comfort during difficult moments. 👮‍♂️💛

👏 It’s a heartfelt example of how community partnerships support both residents and first responders.

Full story here:

The Rockville Centre Lions Club donated hand-stuffed lion toys to the Rockville Centre Police Department to launch a new initiative that provides comfort to children officers encounter during emergencies and traumatic situations.

01/03/2026

❄️ Not even snow could stop the holiday fun in Rockville Centre!

Families bundled up and braved the winter weather to enjoy the annual Breakfast with Santa event at the Recreation Center — a beloved Rockville Centre holiday tradition.

Kids met Santa Claus, made festive crafts, and enjoyed a warm breakfast alongside neighbors and friends. 🥞🎄

📸 Check out the joyful moments that made this snowy day one to remember!

Full story here:

Despite nearly six inches of snow, the Rockville Centre Recreation Center hosted a full-capacity Breakfast with Santa, featuring festive activities, holiday characters, and community-building events for families.

01/03/2026

🎼 Holiday spirit fills St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre!

With soaring vocals and festive harmonies, the St. Agnes Cathedral Choir delivered a breathtaking performance during its beloved annual Christmas concert — a cherished tradition for the Rockville Centre community.

🎄⛪ The evening featured sacred music, carols, and a powerful reminder of the season’s joy and reflection inside one of Long Island’s most iconic cathedrals.

Read it here:

St. Agnes Cathedral hosted its annual holiday concert under music director Michael Bower, featuring multiple choirs, soloists, and an orchestra performing sacred and seasonal works that celebrated Christmas and brought the community together.

01/03/2026

🎶 Students and seniors share holiday cheer in Rockville Centre!

South Side Middle School musicians brought the holiday spirit to the Sandel Senior Center during a joyful intergenerational concert that united young performers and senior residents through music and celebration.

🎷🎄 The festive event featured classic holiday tunes, sing-alongs, and smiles all around — showing how Rockville Centre schools and senior programs are building community across generations.

See the heartwarming moments from this special holiday tradition.

Full story here:

The South Side Middle School Chorale, led by Melissa Lagoudes, spread holiday cheer at the Sandel Senior Center with a lively performance of seasonal songs, sing-alongs, and festive activities for students and seniors alike.

12/31/2025

🎇 New year, fresh start! We’re asking the community: What is one thing you hope to do differently this year?

Want to be featured in the Herald? Email Abbey at [email protected] with the information or with additional questions!

Required information for participants:
First & last name
Age
Town you live in
Your answer (1–2 sentences)
A candid solo photo (photo credit required)

📅 Deadline: Friday, January 9

12/29/2025

Excellence isn’t just a standard, it’s a lifestyle. At The Langdon, top-tier amenities, beautifully designed apartments, and a location just steps from the Lynbrook LIRR create a home that feels effortless from day one.

Read more at the Link below!

Sal Ruffino knows the meaning of the word “excellence.” As owner of Ruffino Ristorante on Lakeview Avenue in Lynbrook, he serves it with every entrée. So he expects the same when he comes home. To The Langdon.

12/27/2025

🏅 Anthony Cancellieri named 2025 Rockville Centre Herald Person of the Year!

A lifelong advocate for health care, education and community service, Anthony Cancellieri has spent decades improving life in Rockville Centre — from co-founding Molloy University’s Energeia Partnership to helping lead Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital.

👏 His dedication, leadership and generosity have left a lasting mark on countless local families and institutions.

📖 Discover why he was chosen as the RVC Herald’s 2025 Person of the Year — and what drives his passion for public service.

Full story:

Anthony Cancellieri, honored as the 2025 Rockville Centre Herald Person of the Year, has spent decades serving his community through roles in law enforcement, government, healthcare, and philanthropy, including transforming Mount Sinai South Nassau into a regional medical center and co-founding RVC....

12/21/2025

Rockville Centre parents sue New York over transgender student guidance

A group of Rockville Centre parents is challenging the New York State Education Department in a new lawsuit, claiming its guidance on transgender student rights violates parental rights and religious freedoms.

The case centers on whether schools must inform parents if a student identifies as transgender — a debate now playing out in court with statewide implications.

Full story here:

Two Rockville Centre parents, along with other school officials, have filed a federal lawsuit challenging New York Attorney General Letitia James’ guidance on transgender students, arguing it suppresses dissenting viewpoints and violates First Amendment rights.

12/20/2025

🇺🇸🎨 Rockville Centre WWII veteran turns 100 — and he’s still painting!

Irving Fleischman, a Rockville Centre centenarian, war hero, and lifelong artist, just celebrated his 100th birthday — and he’s not slowing down.

The World War II Army Air Forces veteran is still creating stunning artwork, inspiring generations with his passion, resilience, and creativity.

🎂 Meet the man behind the canvas and learn how his remarkable life continues to shape the community.

Read his story here:

A Rockville Centre World War II veteran who recently turned 100, Jack Banham continues to create intricate paper artwork—now featured in a growing series of Long Island library exhibitions—quietly crafting each piece by hand as he has for the past 15 years.

12/20/2025

❄️ Rockville Centre blanketed by biggest snowstorm in nearly two years!

A powerful winter storm dumped several inches of snow across Rockville Centre, closing schools, delaying commutes, and turning local streets into a winter wonderland.

🚗 Crews worked around the clock to clear roads while neighbors shoveled out and kids enjoyed snow day fun.

See how RVC residents handled the season’s first big snow. 🌨️

🔗 Full story + photos:

Rockville Centre experienced its heaviest snowfall since February 2024, with 5 to 6 inches of snow creating a winter wonderland for children while village crews and residents cleared streets and sidewalks.

12/20/2025

🏟️ New turf, new chapter for Rockville Centre athletes!

Molloy University and the Rockville Centre village are teaming up to replace the aging turf at the RVC Sports Complex, home to countless local games, practices and community events.

This partnership between the village and university aims to improve safety, performance, and access for student-athletes and local sports teams. 🤝

⚽🏈 Find out when construction begins — and how this upgrade will benefit Rockville Centre’s sports community for years to come.

Full story here:

Molloy University and the Village of Rockville Centre are jointly replacing the turf at the Rockville Centre Athletic Complex, splitting the $540,000 cost to ensure safe, high-quality fields for university teams and the broader community.